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Bartoli: I have no regrets


 

Originally published on: 29/05/13 00:00

Bartoli’s father, Walter, was at his daughter’s side yesterday as she opened her French Open account in dramatic fashion, beating her Belarusian opponent 7-6(8) 4-6 7-5 in a rain-delayed, three hour and 12 minute encounter.

“If I lost this match I don't think I'd have any regrets because I was really doing the best I could,” Bartoli said after the win. "Winning a match like this shows I can last for three hours, physically and mentally. To show at the end of the day I could ramp up a gear and show I wasn't tired at all, that's very encouraging for the rest of the season for me.

"The crowd really helped me get through in the end as well,” the former Wimbledon finalist added. “I turned one or two things around here, particularly on the match points, and I really have to thank them for all of their support.”

The French No.1 had parted company with her father, who had coached her throughout her career, in March this year in a bid to win an elusive Grand Slam title but after brief collaborations with former world No.2 Jana Novotna and then Gerald Bremond, the 28-year-old realised she had made a mistake.

"I've learned a lot out of these recent experiments," Bartoli said. "I have no regrets and the situation now is good. Whatever happens, I still have a good few years in front of me to produce some good seasons."

Up next for the home favourite is Colombian qualifier Mariana Duque-Marino, who is making her third appearance in the main draw in Paris.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.